Gainesville pair swiped 8 motorcycles, GPD says

Published: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 11:26 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 11:26 a.m.

One man has been arrested and another is being sought for a rash of motorcycle thefts in Alachua County in which the stolen machines were sold or traded for methamphetamine, Gainesville police reported.

<p>One man has been arrested and another is being sought for a rash of motorcycle thefts in Alachua County in which the stolen machines were sold or traded for methamphetamine, Gainesville police reported.</p><p>GPD had seen a sharp increase recently in motorcycle thefts, particularly Suzuki GSX-R and Honda CBR models, in student apartment complexes along the Southwest 20th Avenue corridor, said GPD's spokesman, officer Ben Tobias.</p><p>Sgt. Greg Armagost and Detective Juan DeCastro got information that led to Daniel Roane, 21, of 2350 NW 16th Ave., who confessed to stealing eight motorcycles, Tobias said.</p><p>Meanwhile, warrants have been issued for the arrest of Larry Eugene Stone, 41, of Gainesville, on charges of grand theft auto, conspiracy, and dealing in stolen property.</p><p>Tobias said he is responsible for planning the motorcycle thefts and then making arrangements to sell the stolen motorcycles throughout Florida.</p><p>Tobias said the motorcycles were taken to Lake City or Lakeland, where they were sold for parts or exchanged for meth.</p><p>Roane told investigators that he could start the the motorcycles within 30 seconds and simply ride them away, according to a report. Some were were loaded into the bed of a truck or trailer.</p><p>Roane also said that if a motorcycle was locked, either by chain or disc lock, he would move on to the next target.</p><p>Roane was arrested on eight counts each of grand theft auto, dealing in stolen property and conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, Tobias said.</p><p>Anyone information that would help GPD locate Stone should call DeCastro at 352-393-7665, or CrimeStoppers at 352-372-STOP.</p>